2019 Toyota Corolla Hatchback SE: An All-New Fresh Design

Highlight: The upper front door cupholders can accommodate 16 ounce drinks.

Test Vehicle MSRP: $21,135 (Base MSRP: $21,135)

Seating Capacity: 4

Standard Safety Features: airbags; ABS; a pre-collision system with pedestrian protection; a full speed range dynamic radar cruise control system; a lane departure alert with steering assist; the full speed range dynamic radar activated cruise control system (manual transmission); automatic high beams; a lane tracing assist system; a road sign assist system .. built into the instrument panel gauges; a stability control system; a traction control system; heated power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators; an electric parking brake; a brake hold feature; a rear back up camera; SOS safety connect system; a hillstart assist system; and a tire pressure monitoring system

Standard Equipment (Base SE Model): 16-inch front wheels; a single zone automatic a/c; a leather trimmed manual adjusted tilt/telescopic steering wheel; cloth seats; manually adjustable front seats; a chrome rear diffuser; split rear seats; a rear center armrest; (a normal and driving mode – automatic transmission) and a 2-year/25,000 maintenance plan

Options: none

Other Trims:

Corolla hatchback XSE

Corolla sedan

Standard Audio On Test Vehicle: an 8-speaker AM/FM  

Bluetooth Connectivity: Standard

USB Connectivity: Standard

Bumper-to-Bumper Warranty: 3 years or 36,000 miles

Powertrain Warranty: 5 years or 60,000 miles

Standard Engine/Horsepower: 2.0-liter, 4-cylinder DOHC engine/151-hp

Recommended Fuel: Regular

Standard Fuel Mileage:

28-city/37-hwy

What’s New: This five door vehicle has gone through a few name changes. Its formerly known as a Scion and as a Corolla Hatchback im. These days the vehicle is just known as a Corolla Hatchback. The 2019 hatchback was designed on an all-new global platform.

Why: While the Detroit based automakers are literally walking away from building compact (and subcompact) cars, focusing on profit-grabbing trucks and SUVs, the Japanese, Korean and European automakers have chosen to build a full line of vehicles.

This year’s stylish and seemingly well-built Corolla hatchback has been reimagined for the 2019 model year. We expect the four door sedan, when it arrives as a 2020 model, will embody the same design elements and features.

The all-new Corolla Hatchback is available in two trims, with a manual or an automatic transmission.

The base model, which we reviewed, was available with an array of standard safety driving aids. Those features ranged from a radar-activated cruise control system to a lane trace assist system to a lane keep assist system.

We also found the easy-to-shift manual transmission somewhat of an anomaly, as most automakers have shifted toward only building automatic vehicles. Honestly, we welcomed the manual shifter, although an automatic is available at a slight premium. Also this is the first time we have been behind the wheel of a vehicle outfitted with both a manual transmission and a brake hold feature. While we still had to keep our foot on the clutch, we were relieved that we did not have to keep our feet on the brake continuously, when the brake hold feature was activated. Now if someone can design an automobile that doesn’t require the driver to keep his feet on the clutch, while stopping, this will truly be classified as a self-driving vehicle. 

Also the overall interior layout was well thought out, too. The new Corolla Hatchback now wears a totally redesign instrument panel layout. The vehicle now embodies a fresh design with a supersized, detached iPad-like infotainment screen. As in the case of previous Corollas, the controls are simple and easy to use. This year’s model not only contains an array of built-in apps, but wi-fi is now available too.

For those seeking more near luxury like amenities in their Corolla Hatchback, they can step up to the XSE trim. Some of the additional features the car gains range from leather seats to satellite radio to an electronic blind spot lane- changing detection system.

Lastly, the ride quality, the interior roominess and the vehicle’s nimbleness reminded us of some of things we sacrifice, when we step up to many of today’s SUVs and crossovers. While those body styles don’t necessarily sacrifice ride quality and utility space, in most cases they’re not nimble or fun-to-drive.

But: There was no opportunity to add a sunroof. However, an upgraded audio system is available in the XSE trim.  

And, like all Toyota and Lexus models, the Corolla Hatchback is only compatible with Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexia connectivity. Sorry Android users you’re still out of luck with these two brands.

Moreover, while a rear back up camera is standard, a rear cross traffic assist system is not available on the hatchback models.

Lastly, we were grateful for the ability to disengage the LDA with steering assist (lane departure alert), which we found to be somewhat unsettling in the computerized system attempt to keep us in our lane. Ironically, we felt safer and more in control of the vehicle, when the LDA was not activated. 

Verdict: Unlike the Detroit-based automakers, Toyota has the perfect blueprint, with the all-new Toyota Corolla hatchback, on why compacts are necessary even if the profit margin is slim, when compared to trucks and SUVs.

Toyota has managed to take an old name and give it a much needed fresh and modern design. In our opinion, this is a best buy in terms of compact vehicles.  For those on a budget, but want a brand-new vehicle, they’ll find that the base model Corolla Hatchback will fit the bill.

Competition: Hyundai Elantra GT and Mazda3 Hatchback